Soldering Question

I am installing a new shower valve as part of a complete bathroom remodel. I have sweated the valve to the needed 1/2" copper fittings, and am ready to cut out the old valve and install the new with sweated copper couplings. I will need to use a hacksaw to remove the old pipe due to space. My concern is soldering the couplings to the verticle copper pipes. Will the heat suck the solder up into the joint ? Any special methods to doing this ? I suppose I could use compression fittings, but am not comfortable with using those in a closed wall situation. How can I be sure it won't leak ? Thanks, Tim.

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Soldering Question

When soldering a vertical fitting, I put the heat in the center of the fitting. The solder will go to the heat. Apply the solder to the bottom joint first and then add solder to the top. Wipe the joint with a soft cloth or gloved finger. You should be able to 'look" at the finished joint and know it is properly sealed since there should be no pinhole openings in it. This would be the time to add an access door for future use and add shut-off valves to the supply lines. It is never fun to need to shut off the whole houses water when there is a tub/shower problem.

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Soldering Question

hacksaw where you need to .......set up all connection into the new coupling and into the exsisting copper.remove all the fittings to be swetted steelwool sand cloth them clean and reinstall with flux'd as they go together.you don't need to move the torch either left or right (of the coupling)with the flame 2" away from the couplingmedium flame.sandcloth and flux the solder hit it (coupling)with the torch and 5-10 seconds soler should flow around the top joint and then the bottom real quick...pull the flame back and hit it again top and bottom with no torch.should have heat still to melt one more go around.put some flux above the top joint and let it melt over the coupling with the 2 new shinny swets wipe it with a damp rag and eye ball it.